CONFIRM: LeBron James attributes the rise in popularity of women’s collegiate basketball to “icons” like Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Caitlin Clark.
Because so many of its best players are so well-known, women’s collegiate basketball has taken off in the previous year, especially this season. While JuJu Watkins at USC, Angel Reese at LSU, and Paige Bueckers at UConn have developed into intriguing athletes to support and cheer for, Caitlin Clark deserves a great deal of credit for that as well.
One of the most important games in the history of women’s college basketball took place on Monday when Clark and Reese faced battle for a position in the Final Four.
The popularity of the women’s collegiate game appears to have eclipsed that of the men’s college game for the first time in memory. After the Lakers’ victory over the Wizards on Wednesday, LeBron James—who is always eager and willing to express his opinions—was questioned about it and gave his thoughts on the rationale behind it.
“I believe the reason for their popularity stems from the icons present in the women’s game,” LeBron remarked. “You see the little girl at Iowa State, the freshman there (Audi Crooks), Brink at Stanford, and that’s just to mention a few – the freshmen at Notre Dame. You see Angel Reese, JuJu (Watkins), Caitlin Clark, Paige (Bueckers), and so on. Since they are prohibited from visiting
That’s what makes the Elite Eight and Final Four so amazing. Although Iowa was a fantastic squad, Caitlin Clark was the main reason we watched.Depending on their personalities, players will attract the most interest in terms of viewership.
LeBron is 100% correct in this assessment. In addition to being one of the best players in women’s college basketball history and setting record after record this season, Clark has been a well-known figure for a number of seasons.
Ironically, LeBron has contributed to player empowerment in college basketball through the usage of the transfer portal and NIL, but their effects have also caused interest in the sport to wane. Fans no longer have the same emotional connection to shows as they once had.
At least among elite players, that degree of movement has not yet reached the women’s game. LeBron also talked on another crucial point: the best players are not allowed to declare for the NBA. Jalen Hood-Schifino signs with the Laker organization after having a stellar season at Indiana University and filing for the draft. JuJu Watkins returns for her sophomore season after doing that.
It generates narratives, curiosity, and thrills.
The men’s game will ultimately recover because these things are cyclical. But with all the credit going to those icons, it’s been a pleasure to watch women’s college basketball this season and during March Madness.
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